>> Runaways: Information for Parents (10/2008)

Behind the Badge: Message from Sheriff Ted Mink

This month, we have some information for parents of teens and adolescents regarding running away.  At the Sheriff's Office we are not counselors, but we can try to help parents understand a runaway episode from a law enforcement perspective. For counseling referrals, we recommend calling the Juvenile Assessment Center at 303-251-4567.

Runaways
Runaway episodes vary greatly.  Some children run away and end up in dangerous situations involving drugs, violence, predatory companions and other criminal elements.  Others may go to the home of a friend or relative where they are well cared-for. Many runaways show up at school to be with their friends.

Reasons for running away can vary.  Conflict in the home and/or external pressures on the child can contribute to the child leaving home.  Some simply leave home for an evening or weekend as an act of rebellion.

When Can I Report My Child as a Runaway?
You may report your child as a runaway immediately.  There is no requirement to wait a specific time period prior to reporting a child as a runaway.  Persons older than 18 cannot be considered runaways.

What Happens When I Report My Child as a Runaway?
Your child's information will be entered into the Colorado Crime Information Center (CCIC) database and the National Crime Information Centers (NCIC) database.  Amber Alerts in most cases do not apply to runaway children.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office will check specific places you believe your runaway child might be that you cannot go yourself.  If you suspect your child may be someplace specific outside the Sheriff's Office's jurisdiction, we will ask the police in that area to check for the runaway.  We have no legal authority to search private property for your child.

An investigations specialist tracks runaways for the Sheriff's Office, and makes follow-up contacts with parents of runaways.  The specialist gives information on runaways to patrol deputies and school resource officers.

What Happens When My Child is Located?
When a runaway is located, he or she will be returned home or parents will be asked to pick them up.  Runaways cannot be placed in juvenile detention, nor will they be jailed.

Runaways may be taken to the Jefferson County Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC).  The JAC is an organization that handles assessments, screening and counseling for at-risk youth and youth offenders.

Behaviors to Watch For
Behaviors a child might display prior to running away may include: changes in dress; changes in friends; secrecy; evidence of tobacco, drugs, drug paraphernalia or related items.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office does not offer a "scared straight" program.  However, if you have concerns about your child's behavior, including possible criminal behavior, we encourage you to contact your child's school resource officer (SRO).  SROs are trained to help students who are making bad choices, committing crimes or exhibiting unsafe behavior.  Each SRO has years of experience with youth issues, and they can help troubled students or parents with advice or referrals.

Behind the Badge Archive

Last Modified: May 20, 2009 04:26 PM